Exciting Update: Preaching from the NASB 2020

Exciting Update: Preaching from the NASB 2020

I’m excited to share an update with our Imagine Church family about something close to my heart -> God’s Word. Last Sunday, I started using the New American Standard Bible (NASB) 2020 edition as my primary preaching translation. I have used the ESV for 20 years. I’m making a change.

Why the NASB 2020?

The NASB has long been known as one of the most accurate, literal translations of the Bible in English, carefully following the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts. The 2020 update continues that literal tradition but makes it more readable without sacrificing accuracy.

This means:

• Literal Translation: The NASB keeps a word-for-word approach so we can study closely what the original languages say.

• Readability: The 2020 update smooths out awkward phrasings and clarifies meaning, making it more accessible for both lifelong believers and those new to Scripture.

• Faithfulness: It retains theological precision while bringing clearer expression in modern English.

Personally, I’ve found that the NASB 2020 lets me enjoy a literal translation that happened within the last five years. The 1995 version was so literal that it was wooden when read. It’s an excellent bridge between study and proclamation.

No Expectation to Change Your Bible

While I am making this change for preaching, I want to be very clear -> I am not expecting anyone else to switch their translation. Many of you have Bibles you love and have been using for years, and I encourage you to keep reading the translation that helps you engage with God’s Word most deeply. Whether you read the ESV, NIV, KJV, CSB, or another, my prayer is that each of us continues to love the Scriptures and let them shape our lives.

Loving God’s Word Together at Imagine

Our highest priority is not the name on the cover of our Bible, but the truth inside its pages. All faithful translations point us to the same living God, the same gospel, and the same hope in Jesus Christ.

Soon, I will have some NASB 2020 paper options for you at the building.

Psalm 119:105 reminds us, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

My desire is that no matter what translation you use, you will treasure the light of God’s Word and let it shine in your everyday life. You can use the NASB 2020 for free in the YouVersion App.

Love you all,

Pastor Alan